Practicing Resurrection

Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,* stand up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Acts 3. 1 - 10

I have a heart for Children's Formation ministry, and this depiction of practicing resurrection from one of today's readings tells the story so beautifully. Take it a step (no pun intended!) further and place yourself at the Beautiful Gates in your life where the lame and the poor and the hungry and the lost lie begging for help. When and where can we be like Peter, fixing our attention on them and "raising them up?" And after we have helped, where have we seen the lame "Walking and Leaping and Praising God?"

I think Peter teaches us in this passage that it all begins with looking people in the eye and acknowledging their humanity. How many times I miss that opportunity, but perhaps this Resurrection season, I will do better.